Models for Leading Change

In this article we briefly introduce 5 models for leading change within the organisation. Learn about them and put them to use so you may become a more effective and rounded leader.

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Background

Large scale sustainable change needs strong―emotionally intelligent―leadership to succeed. In this article we introduce five models for leading change. No single model is right. However, they all have something valuable on offer and can help us to navigate our way through complex organisational situations or circumstances.

Models for Leading Change

The models for leading change give us a lens through which we can see our personal situation in a new light. They help us to develop our mental map of the world―whether that concerns a situation, project team or organisation―and create options for dealing with those difficult circumstances we inevitably encounter in our daily lives. Common themes from each model are

Self-awareness

Self-management

Social awareness

Relationship management

These attributes are found in well-rounded and effective change leaders. Those who are aware of their emotional make-up, are sensitive and inspiring to others, and can deal with day-to-day problems without getting distracted from the change they are introducing. But remember this: they are the map not the territory. Therefore use them with care and use them to help interpret a particular leadership challenge or situation.

The models for leading change are

Leadership that Gets Results AKA Daniel Goleman’s Golf Clubs

Situational Leadership (Hershey and Blanchard)

Framework for Leadership (Fullan)

Agreement and Certainty Matrix (Stacey)

Transformational Leadership (Alimo-Metcalfe)

Leadership that Gets Result

Daniel Goleman popularised emotional intelligence and used insights from his work in this area to identify six styles of leadership.

Goleman imagines these styles as a set of golf clubs which scratch players―players who can on average complete a round of golf with a score of par―know instinctively when to use at the right time to get the best result.

Golf Club

Style in a Phrase

Impact of Style

When to Use

Affiliative

People come first.

Creates harmony and builds emotional bonds.

To heal rifts in a team. To motivate people during stressful circumstances.

Authoritative

Come with me.

Mobilises people toward a vision.

When changes need a new vision. When a clear direction is needed.

Coaching

Try this.

Develops people for the future.

To help an employee improve performance. To develop long-term strengths.

Democratic

What do you think?

Forges consensus through participation.

To build buy-in or consensus. To get input from valuable employees.

Pace-Setting

Do as I do. Now.

Sets high standards for performance.

To get quick results from a highly motivated and competent team

Coercive

Do what I tell you.

Demands immediate compliance.

In a crisis. To kick-start a turnaround. With problem employees.

Situational Leadership

Hershey and Blanchard observed that leadership consists of two types of behaviour

Directive – clearly telling people what, how, when and where to work and closely monitoring performance

Supportive – listening to people, providing support and encouragement, and engaging them in problem solving and decisions

The four leadership styles depicted in the model for leading change combines these behaviours with high and low scores to give leaders choices for dealing with different situations―and to identify personal preferences.

They categorised all leadership styles into four behavioural types

Directing – characterised by one-way communication in which the leader defines the roles of the team or individual

Coaching – the leader provides information, direction and support to sell their message and get buy-in

Supporting – the leader works with the team and individual and shares decision-making responsibilities

Delegating – the process and responsibility for decision is largely been passed to the team or individual

Framework for Leadership

Framework for Leadership

Michael Fullan developed this model after observing change in education and business. It consists of three personality characteristics―energy, enthusiasm, and hope―plus five core components of leadership

Fullan argues that real change is messy and the presence of the five themes plus commitment results in more success.

Agreement and Certainty Matrix

Dealing with Complexity

Ralph Stacey argues that many leadership models are characterised by stability and predictability. That is, rational decision-making is the norm.

In contrast, this model assumes that most modern businesses operate in a fast-paced world where a different set of skills and alternative processes are needed. In this context a higher level of interaction with those involved in implementing change and those affected by change is necessary.

Transformational Leadership

Transactional leadership or management is concerned with the day-to-day operations of business.

Transformational leadership―first introduced by James MacGregor Burns and extended by Bernard Bass―is about visionary leadership that has a positive unifying effect on people (also see Kotter’s 8-Step Change Model.)

Builds a shared vision; communicates the vision; sensitive to the needs of stakeholders

Supports a development culture; supportive when mistakes are made; encourages critical feedback

Facilitates change; manages change sensitively and skilfully

Beverley Alimo-Metcalfe identified a number of factors that differentiate transformational leaders from transactional leaders. How do you score?

Using the Models for Leading Change

The art of leadership is in having a number of approaches to a situation and knowing when to use the right one. These models can help us become much more rounded and effective leaders. I find that reflecting on each model and thinking about what they have to offer helps me make more conscious choices when faced with difficult situations.

For instance, Hershey’s and Blanchard’s model may be used to identify a preferred style―your own or that of the organisation―and the implications of this. Goleman’s model leads us to think about the benefits of changing our approach. Whereas Fullan highlights areas that are missing. And Alimo-Metcalfe inspires us to be transformational leaders.